Gwinnett Philanthropists Awarded as Public Library Champions

Clyde and Sandra Strickland’s generosity to be celebrated during a ceremony in March.

The 2022 Georgia Public Library Awards are honoring Gwinnett County philanthropists Clyde and Sandra Strickland as Public Library Champions for their support of the Gwinnett County Public Library.

“The Stricklands are huge advocates for the library system,” said Jason DiFranco, Director of Development and Community Partnerships at Gwinnett County Public Library. “Their focus is advancing education and literacy, so it has always been a perfect marriage for us.”

The Stricklands are well-known in Gwinnett County for their philanthropy, including building the Strickland Heart Center at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. In 2022, Sandra was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Clyde is the founder of Metro Waterproofing, one of the most successful companies serving the construction industry in the Southeast.

Their philanthropy has ensured the Gwinnett County Public Library offers resources and services to the underprivileged in their community. Examples include:

• Funding the Career Online High School program for individuals who have not graduated and have aged out of public schools. They can continue their education online at no cost, at their own pace, and earn an accredited diploma.
• Funding the New Start Entrepreneurship Incubator program, from which over 38 individuals have completed the course and started their own businesses. This program is for individuals who were incarcerated at some point and find re-entering the workforce nearly impossible.
• Funding library staff scholarships to help them complete their education and further their careers.

The Stricklands also donated $1 million toward the library’s comprehensive campaign for programming at the Hooper-Renwick themed library being built in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Hooper-Renwick was the first and only African American public school in Gwinnett County from 1940-1968. The building was saved from demolition and will become the first African American themed library in the Southeast.

The Stricklands not only donated the first $1 million but continue to raise awareness and assist in raising funds for the campaign.